Article

OBJECTIVES: To examine the development and determinants of long-term outcomes for
earthquake victims with amputations, including physical function, pain, quality
of life and life satisfaction. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with 2-3
measurement points. SUBJECTS: A total of 72 people who underwent amputations
following the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake and resided in Mianzhu County, Sichuan
Province, China were enrolled in the study. Of these, 27 people were lost to
follow-up. METHODS: Data on pain (visual analogue scale) and physical function
(Barthel Index) were collected at 3 measurement points (2009, 2010 and 2012), and
data on quality of life (Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36) and life satisfaction
(Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11) were collected at 2 measurement points (2010
and 2012). Data were analysed with mixed effects regression. RESULTS: Pain
severity declined significantly and physical function increased by 2012. Quality
of life and life satisfaction remained relatively stable between 2010 and 2012,
while quality of life was significantly lower than reference values from the
general population. Illiteracy and lower extremity amputations were associated
with lower quality of life and life satisfaction in several domains. CONCLUSION: While amputees' functioning and pain were improved over time, quality of life and
life satisfaction did not change. Illiterate earthquake survivors and those with
lower extremity amputations are at particular risk of low quality of life and
life satisfaction, and may require additional attention in future earthquake
rehabilitation programs.

Langue : ANGLAIS